How to turn automatic lights on a Honda Accord

Rotate the headlight control ring on the left (turn-signal) stalk to the AUTO position; this activates the Accord’s automatic headlights. If your car has Auto High-Beams, leave the switch in AUTO and turn the system on with the Auto High-Beam button (headlight icon with an “A”) near the steering wheel or via the vehicle’s lighting settings. Make sure the light sensor on top of the dashboard and the windshield camera (for high-beams) aren’t blocked.

Turn on automatic headlights (most Accords with AUTO on the stalk)

The Accord’s automatic low-beam headlights use a dashboard-mounted ambient light sensor to switch the lights on and off for you. Once set to AUTO, the system will turn the lights on at dusk, in tunnels/garages, or during low-visibility conditions.

1. Power on the vehicle (ignition ON or engine running).
2. Locate the headlight control ring at the end of the left turn-signal stalk.
3. Rotate the ring until the indicator mark aligns with AUTO.
4. Drive normally. The car will illuminate the exterior lights when needed; the headlight icon in the cluster will light when the lamps actually turn on.
5. To confirm operation, move from bright sunlight into shade or a garage—lights should come on after a short delay.

Leaving the switch in AUTO is all that’s required for everyday use. If you turn the ring to ON, the headlights will stay on; if you turn it to OFF, the automatic function is disabled until you return to AUTO.

Enable Auto High-Beams (if equipped)

Many recent Accords include Auto High-Beam (AHB), which uses a windshield camera to raise and lower high-beams automatically when traffic and lighting conditions allow. The exact steps vary slightly by year and trim, but the basics are consistent.

1. Set the headlight switch to AUTO on the left stalk.
2. Arm the high-beams by pushing the high-beam lever forward (as if turning high-beams on). The system needs the lever in the forward position to control them automatically.
3. Activate AHB:
   

   • Button: Press the Auto High-Beam button (headlight icon with an “A”) typically located to the left of the steering wheel, or
   • Settings: On newer models (e.g., 2023–2025), use the instrument-cluster or infotainment menus: Vehicle Settings > Lights > Auto High-Beam (names can vary slightly).

4. Watch the indicators: a green headlight-with-“A” icon shows AHB is ready; a blue high-beam icon appears when the high-beams are actually on.

Auto High-Beams engage only at appropriate speeds and lighting conditions and will dim for oncoming and preceding traffic. If the windshield camera is obstructed by dirt, snow, heavy rain, or a windshield cover, the system may not operate.

Find the controls and sensors

Headlight switch location

The headlight control ring is integrated into the left-hand turn-signal stalk. Positions typically include OFF, AUTO, parking lights, and ON. Some older or base trims may omit AUTO—if you don’t see “AUTO” on the ring, your car likely doesn’t have automatic headlights.

Light sensor (for automatic headlights)

The ambient light sensor sits on top of the dashboard near the base of the windshield (center area). Do not cover it with dash mats, paperwork, phone mounts, or window tints/shades that extend over it; any obstruction can prevent the lights from behaving correctly.

Windshield camera (for Auto High-Beams)

The AHB camera module is mounted behind or near the rearview mirror. Keep the glass in front of it clean and free of stickers or toll transponders. In extreme weather or if the camera overheats/cools, the system may temporarily disable itself until conditions normalize.

Year and trim differences

Honda has expanded lighting automation across Accord generations, but availability can vary by market and trim. Use the notes below to understand what your car likely has.

• 2008–2012: Some trims (often EX and above) include AUTO headlights; base models may lack them.
• 2013–2017 (9th gen): AUTO headlights are common on mid-to-upper trims. Auto High-Beam availability varies by market and trim, generally later in the cycle and on higher trims.
• 2018–2022 (10th gen): Most trims include AUTO headlights; Honda Sensing with Auto High-Beam is widely available and often standard.
• 2023–2025 (11th gen): AUTO headlights are standard; Auto High-Beam is standard on most trims with Honda Sensing. AHB can be toggled in the vehicle’s lighting settings and/or via the physical button.

The quickest confirmation is visual: check the stalk for “AUTO,” the left dash panel for an AHB button (headlight icon with “A”), and the vehicle settings menu for lighting options.

Troubleshooting if AUTO doesn’t work

If your automatic headlights or Auto High-Beams aren’t behaving as expected, run through these quick checks before seeking service.

• Verify equipment: Ensure your stalk has an AUTO position; if not, your vehicle may not have the feature.
• Switch position: The ring must be set to AUTO. If set to OFF, the system will not operate.
• Sensor/camera visibility: Clear any items from the dash sensor area; clean the windshield in front of the camera.
• Lighting conditions: In bright daylight, the system won’t turn on the lights. Try a shaded area or tunnel to test.
• Wipers and weather: On some models, headlights turn on automatically with the wipers when in AUTO; heavy rain or fog can affect both systems’ behavior.
• Vehicle settings: For AHB, confirm it’s enabled in the Lights/Vehicle settings and that the high-beam lever is pushed forward.
• Instrument cluster messages: Heed warnings about camera obstruction or system temporarily unavailable.
• Aftermarket mods: Dash covers, dark windshield tint/visors, or camera-area stickers can interfere.
• Battery/ignition state: Some functions require the engine running or ignition ON, not just Accessory mode.

If issues persist after these checks, consult your owner’s manual for model-specific instructions or have the system inspected by a Honda dealer.

Summary

To turn on automatic lights in a Honda Accord, rotate the headlight control ring on the left stalk to AUTO and leave it there. For Auto High-Beams, keep the switch in AUTO, arm the high-beam lever, and enable AHB via the dashboard button or vehicle settings. Ensure the dash light sensor and windshield camera are unobstructed for best performance.

How do I turn off the auto light on my Honda Accord?

Brake. Once the parking brake is engaged. Turn the vehicle back on by stepping on the brake and hitting this start. Button. And that’s it now the vehicle is on.

How do I turn on auto lights on my Honda Accord?

Wheel. And look at this do you see this lever right here. This is the lever for turning on the headlights.

How do I turn on automatic headlights?

To turn on automatic headlights, locate your vehicle’s light control dial or stalk and rotate it to the “Auto” position. The “Auto” setting activates light sensors that automatically turn your headlights on and off in response to ambient light conditions, such as dusk or cloudy weather. You should see the headlight icon appear on your dashboard when the system is active. 
Steps to activate automatic headlights:

1. 1. Locate the light control: . Opens in new tabFind the light switch, often on a lever next to the steering wheel (the turn signal stalk) or a dial on the dashboard. 
2. 2. Turn the control to “Auto”: . Opens in new tabRotate the dial or move the lever to the position marked with the word “Auto” or a symbol resembling an “A”. 
3. 3. Check the dashboard: . Opens in new tabA small light or symbol for the headlights will illuminate on your instrument panel, indicating the system is active. 

How automatic headlights work:

• Sensors: The system uses light sensors, usually on the dashboard or windshield, to detect changes in surrounding light levels. 
• Automatic operation: When the sensors detect it’s getting dark, the system automatically turns the headlights on. 
• Disengagement: When it gets light again, or when you manually select a different setting, the headlights turn off automatically. 

How do you activate auto headlights?

Sensors are used to detect the level of ambient light outside the vehicle. When it gets dark enough – like at dusk, during a storm, or when entering a tunnel – the sensors trigger the headlights to turn on. On the other hand, when there’s enough daylight, the headlights will turn off automatically.